Senior Manager Transport Operations

Senior Manager Transport Operations Europe

Location: Rotterdam (with regular travel across Europe)

Drive transport excellence across Europe

Refresco is the world’s leading independent bottler of soft drinks and fruit juices for retailer and A-brands. Our European supply chain is extensive, complex and essential to delivering reliable service to our customers every day.
To further strengthen and optimise our European transport network, we are looking for a Senior Manager Transport Operations Europe. In this role, you will own and drive the European transport agenda across 8 Business Units, influencing €160 million in annual transport spend.

Your role

As Senior Manager Transport Operations Europe, you act as the functional leader for Transport across Europe. You define and execute the European Transportation Strategy, lead large-scale digitisation initiatives and deliver measurable improvements in cost, service and sustainability.
You work closely with local transport teams, Supply Chain, Procurement and strategic transport suppliers to unlock network efficiencies and build best-in-class transport capabilities.

What will you be doing?

In this senior role, you will:

• Define and execute the European Transportation Strategy, delivering measurable improvements in cost per pallet, service levels and network efficiency


• Lead end-to-end transport digitisation, including TMS (Transporeon) roll-out, real-time visibility and advanced analytics


• Drive structural transport cost reductions through network design optimisation, tender strategies and supplier collaboration


• Improve freight efficiency by increasing truck fill rates and expanding intermodal and roundtrip solutions


• Own and continuously improve On-Time Delivery performance across Europe through KPI governance, root cause analysis and carrier performance management


• Standardise and scale transport processes across Europe, working towards a European control tower model


• Lead and influence a network of BU Transport Managers in a matrix and dotted-line structure


• Contribute to decarbonisation initiatives, including alternative fuels and more sustainable transport solutions

What do you bring?

You are a senior transport or logistics leader with strong analytical capabilities and the ability to lead change in complex, international environments.

Your background includes:

• A degree in Business, Engineering or Supply Chain Management (or equivalent experience)


• 12–15+ years of experience in transport or logistics operations across multiple European markets, preferably within FMCG or similar complex environments


• At least 10 years of managerial experience, ideally in international or matrix organisations


• Strong expertise in European transport markets and TMS ecosystems


• Proven experience leading transformation programmes and delivering measurable cost and service improvements


• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights


• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills with external suppliers


• A technology-driven mindset and interest in modern digital solutions


• Willingness to travel within Europe (10–20%)

What we offer

At Refresco, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a European scale.

You can expect:

• A senior leadership role with direct influence on European transport performance


• Ownership of a large-scale transport operation and transformation agenda


• International exposure and collaboration across multiple countries and stakeholders


• A pragmatic, fast-moving and down-to-earth culture


• Competitive employment conditions aligned with your experience and responsibilities

About Refresco

Refresco is the world’s largest independent bottler of soft drinks and fruit juices, operating across Europe, North America and Australia. We combine scale with operational excellence and are committed to safety, quality, sustainability and the development of our people.

Recruitment process

Are you interested in this open position, feel free to send your application!

In case of any questions with regards to the position, you may reach out to Bas Versnel (Interim Corporate Recruiter Group/HQ)

E-mail: [email protected]